In preserving the history and publications of the AAP, the Gartner Pediatric History Center and Bakwin Library honors the consistency of the mission while documenting the many changes in the Academy throughout the years. As Robert Block, MD, FAAP said, “caring for ALL children is not only the right thing to do; it’s the BEST thing to do.”
Children at Community Center in Brooklyn
The new AAP began to take shape throughout the 1930s, while the specialty of pediatrics made its own developmental strides. In late June 1930, a group of AAP founders gathered on the campus of what is now the DMC Harper University Hospital in Detroit, part of the Wayne State University School of Medicine, to finalize plans for the new organization. “We hope the organization will be able to do many things in pediatrics which to many of us seems necessary,” Clifford G. Grulee, MD, FAAP wrote to a colleague. “…we have large ideas of what can be done …” The ‘Our AAP Story History Wall’ on the 2nd floor at Headquarters tells the full origin story.
“The Sky is the Limit” Sculpted by Dennis Smith
Dedicated to former Executive Director James Strain, MD, FAAP this statue was first installed at the Elk Grove Village location and moved to Itasca. Dr Strain said, “It will serve to remind those who follow, our members, our staff and our visitors, what we stand for and why we are here – to lift up children, to help them become all they can be.”
Interior
Our current building was completed in 2017 and, during construction, was dubbed ‘Headquarters of the Future.’ The building is 183,000 square feet and sits on 11 acres. The Conference Center is 19,000 square feet with 83 different conference rooms. Built with wellness and sustainability as priorities, the building is equipped with many environmental features such as LED lighting, and electric car charging stations. The wellness amenities include Nursing Mother’s Lounge, Wellness Rooms, and Fitness Center.
Red Book
The Committee and Section on Infectious Diseases dedicated room CC-152. There you will find a display of The Red Book including a reproduction first edition. First published in 1938 and consisting of 8 pages, the 2024 33rd Edition is 1,261 pages. “The AAP will continue to provide recommendations for immunizations that are rooted in science and are in the best interest of the health of infants, children and adolescents,” said AAP President Susan J. Kressly, M.D., FAAP. “Pediatricians know how important routine childhood immunizations are in keeping children, families and their communities healthy and thriving.”
Abraham Jacobi's Photo
Visit the Bakwin Library to view a collection of historic texts that established the field of pediatrics such as Abraham Jacobi’s first edition Contributions to Pediatrics (1909). Jacobi is widely known as the “father of pediatrics”. You will also find a collection of texts written by AAP founders such as Abt’s Pediatrics (year?) by Isaac Abt, MD, FAAP the first president of the AAP.
Mary Ellen Avery's Book
The Bakwin Library also collects pediatric textbooks that made a significant impact on child health such as Diseases of the Newborn by Mary Ellen Avery, MD, FAAP. Read her oral history from the Gartner Pediatric History Oral History Collection. Dr Avery was awarded the National Science Medal in 1991.
Speak Up for Children Campaign 1978
The staff of the Gartner Pediatric History Center and Bakwin Library are here to help. Bakwin Library collects every title published by the AAP, the print publications are housed on the 2nd Floor and electronically on shopaap.org. Members have access to library services such as literature searches, librarian input on systematic reviews, citation chasing, and full-text articles from Academy publications. Members should reach out to their CCS managers to use library resources and services. The Gartner Pediatric History Center collects items on the history of the AAP and on pediatrics in general. View the website for more details.
Members Wall
It is not enough, however, to work at the individual bedside in the hospital. In the near or dim future, the pediatrician is to sit in and control school boards, health departments, and legislatures. He is a legitimate advisor to the judge and jury, and a seat for the physician in the councils of the republic is what the people have a right to demand.
Last Updated
03/27/2026
Source
American Academy of Pediatrics